The unexpected reason divorce might run in the family

We might vow to ourselves that we will never end up like our parents but it turns out the phrase 'I'm turning into my mother' might have more weight to it than we thought, when it comes to divorce at least.

Psychologists have conducted research into why marriages breakdown and apparently genes are the main reason why divorce runs in families.

Genetics are at the root of our likelihood to divorce

Though psychological factors are still relevant, the study's author Dr Jessica Salvatore and her team found that genetics are at the root of our likelihood to divorce, reports Spring.

For example, neurotic people tend to see their partners in a more negative light but the personality trait of neuroticism is passed down through the generations.

This, along with other psychological characteristics passed on genetically, mostly explains why divorce runs in families.

'At present, the bulk of evidence on why divorce runs in families points to the idea that growing up with divorced parents weakens your commitment to and the interpersonal skills needed for marriage,' Dr Salvatore, whose study will be published in the journal Psychological Science, explains. 'What we find is strong, consistent evidence that genetic factors account for the intergenerational transmission of divorce.

'For this reason, focusing on increasing commitment or strengthening interpersonal skills may not be a particularly good use of time for a therapist working with a distressed couple.'

A better strategy if you experiencing marital problems might be looking at personality issues

Instead, she recommends that a better strategy if you experiencing marital problems might be looking at personality issues.

'For example, other research shows that people who are highly neurotic tend to perceive their partners as behaving more negatively than they objectively are [as rated by independent observers],' she explains. 'So, addressing these underlying, personality-driven cognitive distortions through cognitive-behavioural approaches may be a better strategy than trying to foster commitment.'